The Wright City volleyball team couldn’t hold on against Battle Friday after winning the first set, falling to its opponent from Columbia in three sets.

The Wildcats controlled the first set in large part to junior Donavan Holmes, who led the team with eight kills.

“Donavan’s performance was a huge asset to us,” Wright City Head Coach Amy Geurin said. “I am excited to see her grow throughout the season.”

Holmes added seven digs and a team-high five aces in the loss.

Geurin said her team took advantage of Battles’ mistakes in the first set, but couldn’t hang on when the Spartans cleaned things up late in the match.

“I think a big difference in the first set was our aggressive serving and Battle making a lot of mistakes,” she said. “But I think the morale was good in the third set; the girls didn’t give up and kept fighting throughout the entire match.”

DeAsha Briner led the Wildcats with 11 digs, Alexis Siefert and Abi Murri added nine, and Gabby LaMora finished with seven.

LaMora was second on the team with five aces as well.

“I think my girls came ready to play on Friday and I think it showed by taking Battle to three sets,” Geurin said. “I think one thing I want to work on throughout the season is staying constant with serving and defense. I think those two things helped us win the first set against Battle.”

The Wildcats return to action Thursday at Bowling Green.